Transport security

Keeping our public transport system safe

Queensland is not immune to the threat of terrorism faced by the rest of the world and the whole of Australia. The July 2005 terrorist attacks in London showed that public transport can be a terrorist target. All Australian states and territories have agreed on priorities for strengthening surface transport security. These include making the travelling public more aware of risks and avenues for reporting suspicious items or behaviour.


The Queensland Government has put in place a public transport security package, initially focussing on south-east Queensland, to keep public transport safe. The package consists of:

* a public awareness campaign
* security programs for public transport operators and workers
* independent risk reviews of public transport
* consulting with peak bodies and unions to raise awareness.

The public awareness campaign started in south-east Queensland in September 2005. The campaign asked the travelling public to report suspicious items, or behaviour, to transport staff or by calling the national security hotline on 1800 123 400f. The advertising campaign appears widely on buses, trains, ferries, bus stops, bus interchanges, train stations and ferry terminals, as well as in the Courier Mail and on television.

What is suspicious behaviour?

It depends on the circumstances, but it is a combination of where people are, when they are there, and what they are doing. Common sense will tell you. If something seems wrong, make the call. As the advertisements say, if something doesn't look or feel right, report it.

What happens when I call the hotline?

The call centre operator will help you to provide as much information as you can-detailed descriptions of people, places, vehicles and anything else that has made you think what you have seen is suspicious. You can remain anonymous, but if you at least give your phone number investigators can contact you for further information if necessary. Your information is passed to the Queensland Police and is kept strictly confidential.

Automotive Parts

The vehicle that you are driving today will be a source of numerous recyclable materials tomorrow. Vehicle parts offer recycling opportunities for materials such as steel, aluminum, plastics, antifreeze, and batteries, as well as whole parts such as tires, seats, engines, and alternators.
Just the Facts

* Each year, nearly all of the 27 million cars around the world that reach the end of their useful life are recovered for recycling.
* Automotive recyclers now can recover nearly 80 percent of the total materials by weight from a vehicle, according to the United States Council on Automotive Research (USCAR) Exit EPA Disclaimer, an organization of auto manufacturers that work together on shared technological and environmental concerns.
* The remaining 20 percent of vehicle materials that cannot be recycled is called auto shredder residue (ASR). ASR includes plastics, rubber, wood, paper, fabric, glass, sand, dirt, and ferrous and nonferrous metal pieces.
* Five million tons of ASR are disposed of in landfills each year.
* Consumers purchasing used or reconditioned parts save 50 percent or more compared to the cost of purchasing new parts.
* More than 25 million tons of materials are recycled from vehicles each year. Automotive recycling is generally calculated separately from the MSW recycling rate.
* Nearly 90 percent of automotive aluminum is recovered and recycled. Although this aluminum represents less than 10 percent of the average motor vehicle by weight, it accounts for roughly half of the vehicle's value as scrap.
* Auto recyclers supply more than one-third of all ferrous scrap (iron and steel) to the U.S. scrap processing industry. When manufacturers use scrap iron and steel instead of virgin ore, they reduce air and water pollution by more than half during the manufacturing process.

AUTO PARTS AND SERVICE EQUIPMENT

The automobile market in Saudi Arabia is the largest in the Middle East. Exploding demographics and changing social patterns are forcing Saudi households to acquire more cars per family. Saudi Arabia imported over 300,000 automobiles and vehicles valued at over $3 billion last year. In 2003, U.S. exports of automobile parts and auto aftermarket parts and accessories reached $685 million.

Although Japanese models continue to be the largest sellers in the Kingdom, American cars follow closely with a 30% market share. Other source countries include South Korea, Germany, France and Malaysia. New cars and SUVs represent almost 46% of the market. Used cars account for about a quarter of the market but only 13% of the value. The United States and Germany lead in used cars sales to Saudi Arabia, with Japan also having a significant share. GM, Ford, and Chrysler’s Jeep brands are among the most popular vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi market for spare parts is showing healthy growth and is expected to reach an estimated $281 million in 2004. With improved road conditions and better maintenance facilities, car lifetime has almost doubled to ten years. The aggressive Saudi driving style leads to excessive wear and tear, and the accident rate in Saudi Arabia is one of the highest in the world. Extra features and add-ons to improve vehicle performance are popular. Saudi government authorities and local dealers are fighting the persistent problem of the sale of fake and counterfeit parts in the Kingdom. There are over 200 dealers supplying automotive parts for U.S., Japanese, European and Asian automobile companies in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government levies a 5% customs tariff on all automobiles and auto aftermarket imports. The breakdown of Saudi Arabia’s automobile parts market shares is as follows: Japan: 36%; United States: 25%; Germany: 15%; South Korea: 8%; France: 6%; Asia: 5%; others: 5%. U.S. companies command a leading position in the supply of transmission, steering, suspension, and braking components and parts. The favorable U.S. dollar exchange rate against Euro and Japanese Yen is acting to boost U.S. market share.